This is a first time for an Instrumental Artist to be acknowledged in this many categories. They include: Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year, Contemporary Gospel/Urban Album of the Year, and Instrumental Album of the Year.

"Even after 20 years it seems the music industry is still buzzing with excitement about my records and I am honored to just be an instrument and allow God to play through me over and over again." Tankard shares.

The Dove Awards will take place at 7:30 p.m.Oct. 15 at Lipscomb University'sAllen Arena in Nashville. The show will be broadcast at 8 p.m.Oct. 21 on the Up! Television Network.

FULL TANK is Tankard's 18th solo smooth Gospel/Jazz project and has already won the 2013 Blue Mic Award for Best Instrumental and was nominated for the 2012 Soul Train Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist. Tankard is recognized as a dynamic instrumentalist, writer, and arranger and is most noted as the producer that discovered Yolanda Adams and created over 40 hit songs with her ("Through The Storm," "Just A Prayer Away," "Battle Is The Lord's," "Let Us Worship Him").

Tankard is also very excited about the upcoming FALL premier of his family Reality TV Show with Bravo TV / NBC. Network insiders have been tight lipped on details about the mega-production that is developing an early " buzz " in Hollywood. To date Bravo has released the following statement:

Thicker Than Water: The Tankards

This docu-series follows former professional basketball player turned popular gospel/jazz recording artist and minister Ben Tankard, his blended family and their journey in expanding the family fortune. From music-producing to NBA life coaching and motivational speaking, this business-oriented family strives to keep on top of their game, but finds their true passion lies in ministry. (www.bravotv.com)

Tankard is known to be somewhat of a "hoot" and the show is rumored to resemble a comedic reality blend of The Cosbys and The Brady Bunch.

Tankard muses, "I am blessed to have the world's most exciting blended family, with 5 grown kids, 2 daughter-in-laws, one grandchild and a great wife. There is never a dull moment at the Tankard Palace with plenty of comedy, love and life lessons to go around. You will LOVE this show if you have ever heard these words from your own parents ---" I brought you into this world and I will take you out."